More Love and Laughter from Margaret Brownley
Bio: New York Times best-selling author Margaret Brownley has penned more than thirty
historical novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including
Readers' Choice and Award of Excellence. She's a former Romance Writers of
American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap opera. She is currently
working on a new series. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English. Just
don't ask her to diagram a sentence.
Welcome back,
Margaret. Why did you become an author?
I was a writer even as a child. Every penny earned raking up
the neighbor's leaves or babysitting went toward the purchase of notebooks,
just so I could write. I wrote my first book in fifth grade. As a side note:
the first thing I do even today when starting a new book is to purchase a
notebook to jot down notes.
If you weren’t an
author, what would be your dream job?
I was a teacher before I was an author and still enjoy teaching.
I'm currently a Boy Scout merit badge counselor and conduct regular workshops
to help scouts rank. Working with young people gives me faith in the future.
There are a lot of great kids out there!
If you could have
lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
I always loved the roaring twenties. Women bobbed their
hair, drove cars, flew planes, voted, and did things that had previously been
denied them. It was an exciting time. Unfortunately, it's not a popular era
with readers. I have no idea why. But if it ever does become popular, I have a
story I'd love to tell.
What place in the United States
have you not visited that you would like to?
I've been to all fifty states so this is a hard question to
answer. What I would really love to do if given the time is drive across
country without using the Interstates. I would love to wander from town to
town—the smaller the better.
How about a foreign
country you hope to visit?
I've done a lot of foreign travel but have yet to make it to
Italy .
That's on my bucket list.
What lesson has the
Lord taught you recently?
I always say that God made me a writer to teach me patience
and He's still working on it.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Pinkerton detective Jennifer Layne is no stranger to
undercover work. But posing as a lady companion named Amy at Miss Lillian’s
Parlor House and Boots is a first for her. She’s finally landed a high-profile
case and is on the trail of the notorious Gunnysack Bandit, when one of Miss
Lillian’s girls essential to her investigation meets an untimely demise. Only a
handful of people are in the house at the time of her death, including handsome
Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger determined to clear his brother’s name. Amy
has many reasons to suspect Tom of murder—and one very personal reason to hope
that she’s wrong about him.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
1883
“Whoa!”
Former Texas Ranger Tom Colton reined in his horse and
stared at the sign hanging from the roof of the two-story brick structure: Miss
Lillian’s Parlor House and Fine Boots. In the faint glow of a full moon the building
stood tall, solid and proper as an old church. Only the red light shimmering in
a downstairs window suggested otherwise.
He fingered the letter in his vest pocket. Addressed to his
brother Dave and signed simply “Rose,” the letter had brought him to this very
address searching for answers.
The red light gave him pause. Perhaps coming here had been a
mistake, but he’d traveled too far to turn back now. He hesitated for several
moments before dismounting. Securing his horse to the hitching post, he stomped
up the wooden steps to the porch. For once, God, let me be wrong about my
brother.
The door opened to his knock and a stout-figured woman
peered at him from a painted face. Designed for a woman half her size, the
bright blue gown and exaggerated bustle did her no favors; nor did hair piled
on top of her head like frothy red frosting.
Her appearance quelled any doubt as to the nature of the
establishment, and his spirits dropped yet another notch. Dave, oh, Dave. . .
“Are you going to stand there all night, Cowboy? Or are you
going to tell me what you want?” Her lilting southern drawl seemed at odds with
her sharp-eyed gaze.
He pulled off his wide-brim hat. “Sorry to bother you ma’am.
Name’s Tom, Tom Colton. I came to see Rose.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t believe I’ve seen you around these
parts.”
“I’m new in town.”
The woman’s gaze traveled the length of his six-foot frame
like a worried mother scrutinizing a daughter’s suitor. The gun belt sagging
from his waist made her hesitate. She then glanced at his gelding tied out
front next to one other.
Apparently his horse, Thunder, gave him a good
recommendation because the woman stepped aside to let him in.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/margaretbrownly
Question for readers: The heroine of my book is a Pinkerton
detective. Who is your all-time favorite literary, film or TV detective?
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Petticoat Detective - Christianbook.com
Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies) - Amazon
Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies Book 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
would love to win. Angela from KY
ReplyDeleteI love the old detective stories and Margaret does a wonderful job, love her books.
ReplyDeleteWendy from FL
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Good luck, Angela, and happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI did something wrong and showed up as anonymous. Sorry, Angela, but I'm the one wishing you happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy, how nice to see you here. Thank you for your kind comment. I love old detective stories, too. They didn't have DNA, fingerprinting, computers or cameras back then, but those old time detectives almost always got their man--and in some cases their woman.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I love that first page. I'm hooked! WOW, and you've been to all fifty states! Not very many people can say that--I've always wanted to travel to all 50 states myself. I'm looking forward to reading Petticoat Detective!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Hi Cheryl, I finally made it to Alaska. That was the last state on my list. I was afraid I'd never get there. We have a beautiful and diverse country.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and Happy New Year!
Hi Margaret, I know you do a lot of motor home touring with Ben and Helene, a couple we met on our tour of the DC area and east coast and who have become great friends and traveling companions. I think I have 12 states to go. I too love to find byways...one of the best we've been to is Harpers Ferry. I can't wait to read your story. I didn't t realize the Pinkertons allowed female agents! Hugs and happy new year, and wishes for much success!
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret. The book sounds wonderful! And I'm so impressed that you've made it to all 50 states - I'm not nearly that well traveled. But I do hope to make it to Hawaii this summer and Alaska the year after.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Margaret! I always learn something new. I didn't realize how well traveled you are! I have been to only 20 states and a few foreign countries. I love taking small weekend trips more than the giant ones. I guess I am really a homebody at heart!
ReplyDeleteHi Tanya, Only 12 states left? You go, girl.
ReplyDeleteAllen Pinkerton hired the first female detective in 1852 and eventually had a whole department of them. He was way ahead of his time. I'm finishing up the third book in the series--boo hoo!I'm going to miss these undercover ladies.
Happy New Year!
Hi Winnie, Alaska was the last state I visited and I loved it! You have a real treat in store.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and Happy New Year!
Hi Charlene,I wished I'd done more traveling out of the country. My greatest desire is to visit Italy. But with the world in turmoil I'm not anxious to leave the states.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Hi Margaret! I love knowing more about you. How cool that you wrote as a child, spending all your extra money on notebooks and pencils. This reminds me of John Boy on The Waltons. One Christmas all he got were some Big Chief tablets and he was happy as he could be. Life is pretty simple with us writers. We don't need a bunch of stuff. I hope you make it to Italy one day though. That would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think James Garner in The Rockford Files is my favorite detective. I guess a private eye can be a detective. LOL Or James West on Wild, Wild West.
Wishing you much success with your new release and a very happy New Year!
Margaret, it's wonderful to find out some of the behind-the-scenes details about you. Your joy in everyday life comes through loud and clear, dear lady.
ReplyDeleteI got such a kick out of this: "I always say that God made me a writer to teach me patience and He's still working on it." Fortunately for most of us, His patience is infinite. ;-)
Congratulations on your upcoming release! I wish you much success, and continued joy in the new year. :-)
Hi Linda,I don't remember that about John Boy. How interesting. You're right; writers don't need a lot to keep them happy. I loved James Garner, too, although Colombo will always be my favorite.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy New Year!
Kathleen, thank you! What a nice thing to say!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by.
Wishing a New Year filled with blessings!
I love Margaret's stories and can't wait to read Petticoat Detective! Thank you so much for sharing this delightful interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBritney Adams, TX
Britney, thank you so much. Wishing you the best New Year ever!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book my sister would love. She loves all things detective and Pinkerton!
ReplyDeleteJ.C. -Indiana-
Hi Margaret. My favorite Detective n TV is Angela Lansbury of Murder She wrote. I know, she is a writer, but always solving crimes. A really good detective. I would love to win this book. Thanks lena for having this interview with Margaret.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Hi JC, I like your sister and I have even met her!
ReplyDeleteHope you both have a great New Year!
Hi Maxie, I liked Murder, She Wrote, too. Angela Lansbury played such a lighthearted character. I hated to see that show end. Detective series today are so serious.
ReplyDeleteThank you for mentioning that show. Happy New Year!
AWESOME!!!! I WOULD LOVE to win, read and, review this!!!! :D And looking at how many comments there are I'm not the only one! ;)
ReplyDelete~Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) NM
Margaret is a dandy! This book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
I would love to win! Donna from IL.
ReplyDeleteI love Margaret Brownley's books - great blend of history and humor. Sheila OR. And Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYes, this does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed reading about the exploits of Hercule Poirot.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I hope to one day travel to all 50 states! How exciting to see our great nation.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed Colombo. I've read a few books with Pinkerton agents and have always enjoyed them. I'm certain your book would be no different. Thank you for the chance to win.
Blessings and Happy New Year!
Kelly in central VA
Sounds like Margaret Brownley has written another good read.Ms Brownley's books usually has some chuckles and touch of history and just good fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm in NC & would love to win this for our Christian school library
I love Margaret's work and would love to win a copy of "Petticoat Detective". Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Indiana,
Cindy W.
We have Margaret's books in the church library.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book to add to our collection.
Happy New Year!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the amateur detectives or the ones that are not detectives but are drawn into the storyline by their observations. I am currently rereading Jo Ann Ferguson's regency series with Lady Priscilla and Sir Neville as amateur sleuths. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLoraine in TX
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love the excerpt. This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteSusan in Texas
As a child my favorite detective was Nancy Drew, as an adult, Jessica Fletcher. I would love to read Margaret's book
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
Wow, I checked back this morning and couldn't believe all the comments. Thank you one and all and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteEnter me!!
ReplyDeleteConway, SC.
Would love to read this book! Sounds like a great read! Thanks for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteBeth in Montana
Margaret's books are always fun to read. I look forward to this one. Please enter me to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteTexas
Love Margaret's books!
ReplyDeleteDoreen from Lancaster County, PA
Happy New Year everyone!
I have always enjoyed Margaret's books would love to win.
ReplyDeleteLourdes Long island NY
There are so many great fictional detectives that it's hard to pick a favorite. I do always enjoy Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. I've read several of Margaret's books and found them to be very enjoyable. I'd love to read this new series about Pinkerton detectives. This one is especially interesting to me since it is set in my state, Kansas.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
I enjoy stories about Texas Rangers. Sm, CA. wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret & Lena! I've really enjoyed the first two books from the Last Chance Ranch series and have been anxious to read Petticoat Detective since I first heard about it!
ReplyDeleteKristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I'm so excited Margaret has another Pinkerton story! Petticoat Detective sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMerry in MN
love to win this book! Shelia from MS
ReplyDeleteHi Pam K, I love Kansas and have set several stories there.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Hi Kristen in OK. Gunpowder Tea is the third book in my Last Chance series and that also features a Pinkerton detective. A reader read that book and suggested I write a whole series of female detectives. This led to the Undercover Ladies series.
ReplyDeleteI always listen to readers.
Happy New Year!
Loved Gunpowder Tea! Looking forward to Petticoat Detective!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Binghamton, NY
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com
Glad Thunder was well-kept and fed. Have heard a lot of cheering about this story! Kathleen ~ MO
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, it seems like everyone liked Gunpowder Tea. Isn't it funny how some stories seems to resonate?
ReplyDeleteLove your Cooking Bookworm handle. Sounds like you have the best of two worlds.